Hey there:) Much thanks to all of you for taking the time to read! Especially the ones who have read and reviewed consistently! Here's the update thanks to all the reviewers:)
Shizuru stared worriedly at the conspiciously empty desk in the front of the classroom. She figured the longer she glowered at it the sooner the person that was supposed to be there would show up. That particular seat was usually filled with a very tired and grumpy biker girl by now and her absence was really starting to make Shizuru nervous. She recalled a promise Natsuki made to her when the student council president caught her trying to skip the Advanced Calculus class they had together.
"Ara, does Natsuki not want to see me?" She asked covering her face, pretending to cry.
"Oi- no of course not!" Natsuki replied frantically. She closed the distance between them almost instantly.
"Then why doesn't Natsuki want to go to the class that she has with me? Are you trying to avoid me?" She asked in her most pleading voice.
"Gah no woman! That's not it at all!"
Shizuru sniffled for good measure. "Then what is it?"
"I just didn't want to sit through the sensei droning on about the Homogeneous System of Equations!" The emerald eyed girl looked at the now 'sobbing' Shizuru desperately. Shrugging, she finally gave up trying to escape her impending doom and gave Shizuru a comforting squeeze on her shoulder. "Fine look I'll go to class with you alright? You don't need to cry-" Natsuki took Shizuru's hand from her face and pulled her towards their class, not even noticing the total lack of tears on Shizuru's face.
"So will Natsuki come to the classes she has with me so I don't feel lonely?" Shizuru questioned as she was being dragged through the hallway.
"Grr- sure, but I'm not promising anything about my other classes."
Shizuru, smiling at the memory glanced up at the clock and realized that first period was almost over and the bluenette had yet to be seen. She was starting to get really anxious now. Sure, there had been a few times Natsuki had strolled in late giving Shizuru a semi-apologetic smile but she always came eventually. Natsuki, you don't strike me as someone who takes promises lightly. Where could you be? Memories of last night flooded back to her as she continued to grow more and more concerned for her most precious person.
It wasn't just the absenteeism of Natsuki that had Shizuru on edge. She really needed to apologize to the rebel for Reito's behavior and explain his intentions. They had been friends for so long but there was absolutely nothing romantic between them. They had grown up being so close it would be like dating a brother. He had taken a protective role because of Shizuru's many enthusiastic fans, so he was just trying to help her out like he normally would. He didn't know that Natsuki is anything but a fan-girl.
Even though they were such good friends, Shizuru immediately regretted staying in his embrace so she wouldn't embarrass him when she saw Natsuki take off through the crowd. That look she had was so heartbreaking. And the look of emptiness afterwards was even worse. Once Reito had released her she had followed Natsuki out of the dance passing her friend Mai who looked to be very upset. As soon as she stepped out into the night air she heard a mechanical roar that she knew could only belong to her rebel's Ducati. She whipped her head in the direction of the loud sound to see her love accelerating out of the parking lot with incredible speed, taking all of Shizuru's plans for the night with her. After seeing the retreating form of Natsuki fade into the distance she couldn't help the heavy feeling that seemed to wrap around her heart. What was she trying to tell me?
The bell rang, effectively shaking Shizuru from her stupor. She dejectedly picked up her things and exited the class hurriedly, eyes searching for the rare shade of blue she had sorely missed that morning. Noticing that it was nowhere in sight she sighed and continued her usual routine and headed to the next class. She politely smiled at her waiting groups of fans when more than anything she wanted to break out of these overcrowded corridors to search for her lost puppy.
There was no change in her next couple classes and even at lunch. This was weird because from what Shizuru had seen Natsuki really liked to eat, especially when mayo was available. Shizuru spotted Natsuki's usual group of friends but still no Natsuki. They looked rather worn-out and dreary today, uncharacteristically quiet as they picked at their food. She considered venturing over there and asking them where Natsuki had been all day. Deciding on this plan of action she gracefully rose from her seat and made to walk over to them but stunned by the overwhelming glares and hostile looks thrown her way from the group. Ara, I wonder what that's all about. Deciding against approaching the 'Danger Zone' that was Nasuki's friends today she tried to go about the rest of her day as normally as possible.
The classes passed incredibly slowly until finally she was on her way to her final class of the day, ready for this terrible Natsuki-less day to be over. As she made her way to the locker-room an interesting tidbit of gossip caught her attention.
"Did you see Kuga-sama today?" A short blond girl asked her friend as they were walking. Shizuru eyed her critically wondering why this girl had seen her Natsuki when she hadn't.
"Yeah, I saw her when she was talking to the soccer coach just a minute ago. I only saw a bit but oh my gosh!" Shizuru rolled her eyes discreetly. Natsuki's incorrigible fan-girls!
"I know right, I think it totally fits her rebel image but I wonder how it happened?" The girl practically swooned.
"I heard that she got into a-" The two girls turned into their designated class leaving Shizuru hanging. Natsuki what did you get yourself into? She thought as she reviewed the puzzling conversation she had just overheard. But she did say that Natsuki was talking to the coach. Perhaps she'll be out on the field. Suddenly excited, she quickened her pace and changed swiftly into her uniform.
She soon jogged out onto the field and saw Haruka and Yukino who were stretching on the side. She trotted over to them, taking notice of the weird weather. The sky today was a deep contrast to the sunny and warm weather they had been experiencing since school began. Overcast and gray, the temperature was much lower than she expected and it gave a rather ominous feel to the otherwise carefree surroundings. A cold wind picked and Shizuru shivered slightly. When she made it to her friends Haruka gave her an indescribable look. Yukino even looked a bit startled which was extremely unusual.
"Oh hey Bubuzuke, how's it flowing?" Haruka asked awkwardly, avoiding eye contact.
"She meant going." Yukino corrected as the both fidgeted under Shizuru's crimson gaze. Hmm, misplacing a word? I don't think we have anything remotely stressful going on right now on the student council. What is she nervous about? Shizuru sat next to them, taking note of their totally uncomfortable body language.
"It's been better." She replied while she scanned the field repeatedly, looking over each soccer player still unable to locate her Natsuki. Frustrated, she gave up her search and turned her attention to her two fidgety companions. Something was off and she had a hunch that it involved a very rebellious bluenette. "Have either of you seen Natsuki today? She wasn't in any of our classes and I didn't see her at lunch." Shizuru asked gauging their reactions.
Haruka's eyes widened as she sputtered "No, we haven't seen that despondent! Why would you rink that?" Her gaze flitted around nervously. Yukino didn't say anything as watched Haruka's response rubbing her temples and shaking her head. Shizuru noticed that they both seemed to be gazing in a certain direction before averting their eyes, so she adjusted herself and followed their line of vision. She saw Midori-sensei on the side of the field, her back facing them while she yelled something to her team. At her side was a lone figure wrapped in a navy blue hoodie standing rather awkwardly on the sideline watching the team practice. The hood was up so she couldn't see the tell-tale cobalt strands that would notify her if the figure was actually Natsuki. The hooded person was dressed in the practice shorts of Fuuka Academy and had rather nice long pale legs. Natsuki? Shizuru shifted her gaze back to her friends who were looking at each other nervously. What is going on? She was just about to question them when a loud 'bang' caught her attention.
Storming out of the infirmary Shizuru recognized a very angry Sagisawa-sensei, the school's nurse. "Kuga Natsuki! You get back in that infirmary NOW!" The navy figure turned slowly and the sight made Shizuru gasp and her temper explode. It was her Natsuki, but not the same Natsuki she had seen last night. A huge bruise covered her left cheek, and she had a nasty black eye over her right emerald. Her lip looked like it had been split and there was a couple scrapes here and there bandaged with light strips of gauze. Scalding rage enveloped Shizuru, her breath came in quick furious puffs as she took in the damage that was evident of the other girl's face. Who dares lay a hand on MY Natsuki! Shizuru thought furiously. Her normally calm demeanor replaced by one of complete and utter fury.
The girl she was watching glared at the fuming nurse. "I'm not doing anything, I'm just watching." Natsuki's usually husky voice sounded hoarse and rasping.
"You're supposed to be resting!" Sagisawa-sensei looked at the girl in front of her disapprovingly. "And you!" She pointed to the red headed coach that had been watching the scene unfold. "What are you thinking?" She got right into Midori's face, waiting expectantly.
"What? She told me she was a little beat up so she's not playing today. She's our starting center forward Youko and she wanted to be here to at least watch. We have a game coming up." Midori answered honestly her gaze flickering to the blue haired girl at her side.
"A little beat up?" The nurse seethed. "You idiot!" She smacked Midori on the head. "Do you know what I've been doing all night Midori? Do you have any idea the extent of her-" Midori's hand clamped over the ranting woman's mouth.
"Ok, ok, I get it. My bad Youko, but we have an audience you know." Midori said quietly while gesturing to all of the girls on the field who were eyeing them curiously. "I'll talk to you later about it." She took the nurses hand in hers rubbing it comfortingly. She then looked at Natsuki who had been standing in the same spot consciously trying to avoid the questioning crimson gaze sent her way. "Get your ass to the infirmary Kuga."
"But coach-" Natsuki started to argue.
"Nope, get in there and be thankful that's all I'm having you do after you didn't tell me the full story." Midori answered curtly, releasing her hold of the nurse's hand.
Natsuki looked totally defeated as she turned from the two and slowly made her way back towards the infirmary, her hand clutching her side occasionally. Sagisawa-sensei gave the coach a thankful look before following Natsuki. They were almost to the doors when a high pitched annoying voiced rolled across the field. "Wimping out maggot? I expected as much."
Shizuru recognized the voice immediately and felt the anger inside escalate a few notches. Over on the side stood a very smug looking Tomoe, her little entourage behind her. Natsuki dashed at teal haired girl quickly grabbing her by the back of her shirt. "Watch yourself." Natsuki rasped, "There's nothing keeping me from pounding you now." She cocked back her first ready to do some serious damage when the nurse came and caught her arm.
"Stop that! You'll reopen you're stitches" Sagisawa-sensei commanded forcefully, successfully stopping Natsuki from pummeling Tomoe.
"Once I'm out of this damn mini-hospital," Her threat was cut short by being shoved into the infirmary door by the nurse.
Shizuru hadn't noticed that she had already risen to her feet and was clenching her first tightly. She looked down at the guilty faces of Yukino and Haruka irately. "You knew?" She asked accusingly.
Haruka looked at the ground while Yukino met Shizuru's fiery gaze. "Yes we were told this morning that there had been some sort of commotion last night involving Natsuki Kuga and that she was being treated here at school."
"Why wasn't I informed?" Shizuru asked, her anger seething through her question. I'm the student council president! I should have been first to know!
Yukino paused and looked at Haruka for help. Haruka took a deep breath before answering, "She didn't want you to know."
Tears stung the corners of red eyes. "What do you mean?" She asked, her rage being snuffed out by hurt.
"We were told that she was in and out of consciousness last night. When she was lucid she told the nurse and headmistress that she didn't want you to know." Yukino responded softly.
Shizuru's heart felt like it weighed a million pounds. The mixture of feelings swirling around inside of her were starting to make her sick. On one hand she was extremely worried for her Natsuki and the injuries she had acquired, on the other she was hurt from Yukino's words. There was one thing she knew, and that was I need to talk to Natsuki. She left her two friends wordlessly and walked shakily over to the medical building not even bothering to put on her fake polite smile.
Natsuki furiously punched the wall in her tiny room of the infirmary. The sound of her knuckles crunching the sheetrock made her feel a little better but not by much. She was pissed. All I want to do is watch the damn practice but miss bossy nurse comes and ruins it! And then I have to see her, what was with that damn look? Concern? Why in the hell would she be concerned! Natsuki grudging sat on the bed trying not to irritate the stitches on her side. As she started to lie down and get comfortable when a very frustrated Headmistress entered the room.
"Natsuki-san, what are you trying to do?" Mashiro asked while looking directly into Natsuki's jade eyes. Natsuki shrugged and turned away to glare at the cream colored wall. When Natsuki didn't answer the headmistress started to get a little irritated. "Stupid girl, first you go off school grounds in the middle of the night, get into a brawl that could have cost you your life, somehow you manage to get back here and your friends drag you to us unconscious and bleeding." She paused, daring Natsuki to contest these charges. "You get treated for three severely bruised ribs, extreme blood loss, bruising on your face and neck, get your side stitched up to walk out in this weather to watch a soccer practice?" Mashiro reached Natsuki's side and placed her hand over Natsuki's. "Why?" Mashiro asked.
Natsuki tore her attention from the very interesting wall to look at the pleading woman before her. She couldn't bring herself to answer so she just shook her head effectively hiding all emotion. This caused the headmistress to get even more agitated. "You knew what Wang was capable of and was probably planning. Why would you give him an opportunity like that? You could have been killed! Wang is a terrible man, he'd do whatever he needs to secure Kuga Industries-" This statement caused Natsuki to completely lose her cool.
"You think I don't know? I had to live with him for five years! I damn well know what he does!" She yelled at the woman in front of her. Her voice sounded cracked and broken as she struggled to get the words out. To prove her point she twisted to the side ignoring the intense pain it ignited in her side. She pulled up her shirt and pointed to a long scar starting from her hips and moving up to just beneath her ribcage. "How do you like my welcome to America present?" She snapped at the now shocked headmistress. "Or there's this one." She said removing her hand from scar to one that was shaped like a smiley face more on her back. "That was for asking to leave the mansion." Twisting back around grimacing from the throbbing in her side she stared at the headmistress indignantly. In the middle of their staring contest a very loud 'thunk' sounded near the door. "You've already heard everything so you might as well come in!" Natsuki called out furiously.
Slowly the door opened revealing her three best friends looking pretty shaken. "It that true mutt?" Nao asked as she stepped inside. "He did all that to you?" Natuki looked at her friends who showed nothing but sincere concern. Damn, I guess there is no getting around it now. Mashiro smiled sadly at Natsuki before leaving her to her friends.
"Uh, yeah." She said quietly fumbling her hands with the itchy infirmary blanket. Suddenly self conscious at the attention she was receiving.
Mai walked over and grabbed her hand with tears in her eyes. "Natsuki, I'm so sorry." She got out before she started to sob. Chie walked up and put an arm around the weeping Mai.
"Yeah, is there anything we can do?" Chie asked.
"No, just promise me something." Natsuki answered seriously. She paused to make sure she had their full attention. "If he tries something again, you have to promise to not get involved."
"Hell no!" Nao yelled. "How can we promise something like that?"
Natsuki looked at them stubbornly. "That's the only way you could really help me."
"Ok, if it will help you then I promise." Mai said caringly through her tears.
"Me too." Chie added somberly.
"Dammit Kuga!" Nao cursed at the injured girl. "Fine, whatever."
"Good!" Natsuki said muttered grumpily. "One less thing to worry about." Her friends stood there silently, unsure of what to say to that. Ignoring the mute looks she was receiving Natsuki sluggishly rolled over and looked on the stand beside her for something to eat. She grabbed a decent looking jello cup and looked back her friends.
"So what really happened?" Chie asked out of nowhere, earning a light smack from Mai. "What I'm curious. And I think after dragging her here in the middle of the night we deserve to know what caused all this."
"Damn straight!" Nao agreed as she plopped down on the side of Natsuki's bed.
"Well, I guess if Nat doesn't mind." Mai pulled a chair up from the back of the room. She looked at Natsuki questioningly before taking a seat.
Natsuki noisily slurped up some green jello. "You really wanna know?"
"Uh yeah we do!" Chie answered eagerly.
So Natsuki gave them a quick rundown of her bike running out of gas, filling up at the café, and her fight with the two idiots. Once she had finished Nao came up and gave her a big high five. "Atta kid mutt, take down two of those bastards!"
Mai had a thoughtful expression before timidly asking. "And you did this all because of the Kaichou?"
Natsuki's mood instantly darkened. She studied the knowing look on all of their faces. "Yeah, you told them right?" She asked pointing to Chie and Nao who nodded silently. "I just needed to get the hell out of there, I felt like I was suffocating." She explained. "Looking back now it was a pretty stupid decision."
"Which one? Falling for that bitch or driving out to ghetto town?" Nao asked bluntly.
Anger flared in Natsuki for a moment. "Shut it spider! No one calls-" Wait, why am defending her? Natsuki's brain finally caught up to her mouth. Her friends looked at her disbelievingly.
Just then Sagisawa-sensei came in with a bunch of papers. "Ok, girls you should probably let Kuga-san rest now." She ordered, leaving no room for questions.
They all whined as they bid their friend goodbye and grudgingly walked out the door. Once they were gone Natuki looked at the nurse skeptically. "So why do I have to stay here another night? I'm bruised and stitched up but I would be fine resting in my own dorm."
The nurse looked at Natsuki incredulously. "I thought about it until you pulled that sneaking off to the soccer field stunt. Now I'm keeping you here so you actually rest."
Natsuki groaned as she went back to eating her jello. Youko chuckled as she finished her check up and stood at the door. "I mean it, get some rest. If you need anything hit the page button." Then she left, not even waiting to hear Natsuki's complaints. Natsuki regarded her empty room taking note of the lack of entertainment. Dammit this is going to be a long night. She continued her inventory when she saw a very old TV sitting in the back corner. Slowly, she rose from her bed and walked over to it. Hopefully I can get this old hunk of junk to work so I don't die from boredom.
Shizuru wandered the halls of the medical building trying to build up the courage to go and talk to Natsuki. The question why wouldn't she want me to know? Kept replaying over and over in her head as she tried to come up with a reason why Natsuki would distance herself from her. I thought we were so close. She had shared things with Natsuki that she hadn't even told her parents, and it hurt to think that Natsuki didn't grant her the same delaying for about an hour her concern for her love overpowered her fears and she purposefully marched towards her Natsuki. As she rounded the corner she was confronted with Natsuki's friends so were giving her the same looks she had received at lunch.
"Where do you think you're going?" Nao asked bitterly. The short red head stood in front of Shizuru, blocking her path.
"I was just going to check on Natsuki." She answered calmly though her insides were thoroughly confused. What did I do to offend them all?
"Like hell you are." Nao growled before Mai put a hand on her shoulder.
After pacifying the very angry girl she turned towards Shizuru. "Kaichou, why are you going to visit her? She's not just another one of your fangirls for you to play with." She asked protectively.
That statement truly caught Shizuru off guard, she couldn't even come up with something to say in return.
"Yeah, she really was going to con-" Chie started by Nao covered her mouth with her hand.
Shizuru raised an eyebrow at the weird interaction. "Of course she's not." Shizuru finally answered Mai's question. "She's very important to me."
Mai caught the adoring glint in Shizuru's eye when she referred to Natsuki. She didn't understand why it was there but she decided to go against her motherly instincts and let Shizuru talk with Natsuki. "Oh, alright then, we were just leaving." She said as she grabbed Chie and Nao and started to pull them away.
"What?" Chie and Nao both asked loudly.
"There is now way I'm letting her in there!" Nao said as she fought off Mai's grip.
"Just trust me." Mai pleaded. Nao looked at her and then at Shizuru. Deciding not to cross either of them she hesitantly left the building, Mai and Chie at her side.
Now Shizuru was more confused than before. What was that? Steeling her will she proceeded down the hall. A few steps more and she was intercepted by Sagisawa-sensei.
"Fujino-san, it's late." She said, surprised that there was someone left in the building.
"I know, I'm sorry to be a bother but I was hoping to see Kuga Natsuki." Shizuru replied, putting on her best responsible student face.
The nurse looked at her for a moment before peering past the brunette and down the hall. "Ok, I just dismissed her friends because Kuga-san needs to rest, but since you look so concerned I'll let you by."
Shizuru gave her an appreciative smile. "Ookini, Sagisawa-sensei." She bowed slightly before continuing forward.
"Oh on more thing Fujino-san." Shizuru turned around to look at the older woman. "Try not to do anything too strenuous, she does need to rest." The statement was followed by a wink and an amused laugh before she walked away. Shizuru felt a blush creep up her cheek as she processed the nurse's parting words. Now is not the time for this. Shizuru chastised herself before stepping up to the infirmary door. Taking a deep breath she knocked softly and entered the bright room.
She had prepared herself for the sight of a battered Natuski lying on the bed looking glum and injured but was genuinely surprised when she saw the pale blue hospital bed unoccupied. "Ara, hello?" She called timidly.
"Holy shit!" Came the reply followed by a loud bang. She searched the room and found the bluenette crouching on the ground nest to a rather antique looking TV. The girl looked bewildered at the fact that Shizuru was standing in front of her. Natsuki slowly rose up and looked Shizuru right in the eye. "What are you doing here?" She asked coldly.
Shizuru couldn't even answer as she got an up close and personal look at Natsuki's injuries. Not only was her face bruised and beaten badly but without the hoodie it was easy to see two large bruises on the girl's slender neck, Shizuru took note of their size and shape seeing that they resembled handprints. Registering that someone must have put them there Shizuru's white hot fury once again consumed her body, making her tremble with rage. "Who did this to you?" She asked sinisterly. They will pay for harming my Natsuki.
Natsuki shook her head and looked skeptically at the shaking older girl. Damn what's with her? "No, I asked what you are doing here." Her husky was voice stony and rigid.
Shizuru pushed aside her anger to take in the hurt expression covering Natsuki's well defined features. "I came to check on my Natsuki." She answered much more tenderly than the fierce question she had asked earlier.
"Don't say that!" The injured girl shouted, annoyed at the affectionate tone she was receiving. "I'm not your Natsuki." Shizuru's hearty panged, hurt she hadn't been expecting cut deep into her heart. Natsuki gazed at her, a myriad of emotions swirling in her emerald orbs. "How about you go 'check' on your boyfriend." Natsuki added spitefully.
"What?" Shizuru asked as she inched closer to the ranting bluenette. What is she talking about?
"Don't play dumb! I was there remember! I was trying to talk to you, to tell you how I felt. But I guess I was just another one of your fan-girls to flirt with! Then he came and- and he pulled you from me, ki-doing that to you on the cheek!" Natsuki shouted harshly. "You know that damn boyfriend!" It all made sense. That's why she didn't want me to know. Shizuru thought looking at the irate bluenette.
Shizuru crossed the room quickly and stood right in front of Natsuki, her crimson eyes watery. "Natsuki, you don't understand-"
"Tch! I understand fine, I was just some sort of twisted entertainment for you. Just leave!" Natsuki roared, her hands shaking.
Shizuru didn't back away, in fact her eyes never left Natsuki's. She brought a hand up and lightly caressed the bluenette's bruised face. "Natsuki," She whispered.
Natsuki's temper cooled from the tender touch. Damn it, why does this feel so nice even after she ripped out my heart. Natsuki watched the slightly taller girl as the hand trailed from her face down to her black and blue neck.
Shizuru gently touched Natsuki's injuries. Kannin na my Natsuki, I did not mean to hurt you so deeply. She stopped her light caress and gazed and the face of the younger girl. It showed confusion, hurt, anger, but the surface seemed to be much calmer than it was before. Wanting to take away the pain Shizuru apprehensively wrapped the bluenette in a warm embrace.
Natsuki's mind was on overdrive. Wha- How did this happen? How did I get here? Why is she- Her brain turned to mush when she felt Shizuru's soft hands rub her back comfortingly.
Shizuru was in a slight panic as well. She had drawn the other girl in close but Natsuki was unresponsive. This feels so perfect to me. It's just right, please feel the same Natsuki. Rubbing the girl's back soothingly she finally felt Natsuki respond by hugging her back strongly, burying her face into her hair. Shizuru hummed softly into Natsuki's ear and squeezed back with the same gusto.
Natsuki was lost in the smell and feel of Shizuru until she felt intense pain flare in her side. She yelped, causing Shizuru to suddenly release her. Stumbling at loss of contact, the back of her legs connected with the bed rail causing her to tumble onto the scratchy bed, her face scrunched up trying to downplay her discomfort. "Damn," she hissed as she gripped her side.
Shizuru was completely dumfounded. Did she change her mind? "Kannin na, Natsuki. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." She said softly as she turned away from the bluenette. "I'll go."
"No wait," Shizuru turned back to Natsuki. "Stay." Natsuki nearly whispered. Shizuru, unable to deny the request walked over to side of the bed. "Ok, I'm going to be honest here." Natsuki said as she patted the side of the bed, signaling Shizuru to sit next to her. Shizuru tentatively took her place as Natsuki looked at her questionably. "I'm hella confused. What's going on? Why did you come here?"
Shizuru took a second to replay their conversation in her mind. "Well, it seems that there has been some confusion between us." She started, looking deeply into Natsuki's innocent emerald eyes. "I came to check on you, when I saw you on the soccer field I was worried. And that I didn't see you at all in school today didn't help matters."
"But why are you worried for me? Shouldn't you be with that guy or something?" Natsuki asked, some of the earlier bitterness returning.
"I believe that's where we seem to be on different pages." Shizuru said gently, trying to break through Natsuki's emotional wall. "You said that he was my boyfriend correct?"
"Damn right, I mean the way he acted at the dance made it pretty clear." Natsuki spat.
Shizuru saw the hurt seeping into verdant orbs. "Well, Reito's been my friend for a long time." Shizuru started, but stopped when she saw Natsuki huff angrily. She timidly took one of the younger girl's hands into hers. "But he's only a friend."
Natsuki looked at Shizuru skeptically. "Then why would he do that?"
"That's what he always does. If I'm ever in trouble with some of my fans he comes to the rescue. Like an older brother."
"So he thought I was one of your crazy stalkers?" Natsuki asked, obviously appalled at the thought.
Shizuru nodded smiling at the horrified look on Natsuki's face. "Damn." Natsuki grumbled. "Well, that clears some things up." She said giving Shizuru an uneasy grin.
Shizuru gave Natsuki's hand a light squeeze before her crimson eyes turned mischievous. "But I believe Natsuki said something earlier that seemed rather intriguing." Natsuki's face returned to the horrified state it was just in. "Would she like to share?"
"Gah! Uh, no- er, it was nothing. Nothing at all."Natsuki sputtered.
Shizuru slid closer so their bodies touched slightly. "Ara, is Natsuki sure? I remember it was something about how she felt."
Natsuki's face paled making her bruises become even more pronounced. "Uh no, I'm good."
"If Natsuki's sure, then may I ask a question?" Shizuru said, not pleased about Natsuki avoiding her inquiry.
"Ok," Natsuki replied hesitantly.
"What happened to you?" Shizuru eyed the injuries of the younger girl.
Natsuki sweat-dropped. Shit, I can't tell her everything! Come on Kuga think! "I- er, last night after the dance I was kinda angry, so I decided to go for a ride." She began, watching Shizuru closely. "I drove for a while and my bike ran outta gas. I was in a pretty sketchy part of town so when I was filling up some thugs came by."
Shizuru's anger returned full force. "And they did this to you?" Crimson eye's clouded with intense fury and need for retribution.
Natsuki nodded. Shit, Shizuru can be really scary. "But it's not that bad. Couple bruises and some stitches but I'm fine." She said trying to get rid of scary Shizuru.
"Stitches?" Shizuru questioned, her look turning from manic into concerned.
Shiiiiit! Shouldn't have said that. "Uh yeah but they aren't bad."
"May I see?" Shizuru asked beseechingly.
Aw hell, if I refuse now she'll assume the worst. Guess I just better get it over with. "Uh, ok just don't freak out alright?" She reached for the hem of her t-shirt pulling it up so Shizuru could get a look.
Shizuru inhaled sharply. The right side Natsuki's toned stomach was completely black and blue, some long scrapes riddled throughout. It looked like she had been dragged across asphalt and had a few ribs badly damaged. A large crescent shaped cut was stitched up to the left of her navel. "Not bad? Natsuki this looks terrible! And with a deep cut like that you must have lost a lot of blood."
"Hey, it's not bad. I've had worse."
That didn't make Shizuru feel better in the least. "Natsuki," she whispered. The green eyed girl looked at her. Shizuru was trying to conceal her emotions but Natsuki saw right through them.
"It's ok Shizuru, I'm fine really." This time it was Natsuki who squeezed her hand comfortingly. At this sincere gesture Shizuru's tears started to flow.
"Natsuki, you could have-" She tried to speak through her sobs. Natsuki pulled Shizuru close and just held her as she cried. They sat there on the hospital bed for a few moments holding each other close. Shizuru composed herself a little. "Natsuki I can't lose you." She said softly as she ran her hands through silky blue tresses. "I know we haven't known each other long but you are precious to me."
Natsuki hadn't felt this cared for in a long time. She gazed down fondly at the Kyoto beauty in her arms and knew now was the perfect time. "You won't lose me." She lifted Shizuru chin to look at beautiful watery eyes. "You know what I was trying to ask you?" She whispered. Shizuru shook her head slowly. "I was trying to tell you that I like you." Crimson eye's stared into emerald disbelievingly. Is Natsuki really saying what I think she is? "I was so damn nervous I couldn't seem to get it out right. I wanted to ask if you would go out with me sometime."
"Really?" Shizuru asked, hoping this wasn't some cruel dream.
"Really really." Natsuki answered with a warm smile.
Shizuru embraced the girl tightly, avoiding her damaged side. "Well, if Natsuki asks nicely then I might go on a date with her." She teased.
"Oi-" Natsuki blushed hugely. "You really know how to ruin a moment."
"Ara, but I know how to make it better." Shizuru tilted her face towards Natsuki's intent on taking those pink lips for her own. She was a breath away when a loud knocking caused them both to jump, smacking their foreheads together.
"Fujino-san, it's almost curfew. You ought to be heading back to the dorms now." The nurse called loudly.
"Damn that nurse." Natsuki grumbled as she rubbed her forehead.
"Was Natsuki looking forward to something?" Shizuru asked coyly ignoring her own slight pain.
Natsuki gave her the most adorable pout she had ever seen before turning bright red. "Hmph, like I'd admit anything to you. Teasing devil woman."
Shizuru smiled at her Natsuki before leaning down and giving her a quick kiss on her forehead. This caused the already blushing girl to almost turn purple. "I'll see you later, my Natsuki." She gracefully walked out of the room, putting a little extra sway in her hips.
"Bye." She heard the bluenette say quietly before she left the room feeling happier than she ever had before.
In her empty hospital room Natsuki did her own victory fist pump smiling goofily.
Yay resolution! But don't worry plenty more drama and Shiznat cuteness planned:) Thanks for reading! Please let me know what you think!